4-Mile-Long Thousand Palms Canyon Road Repair Project Underway

INDIO HILLS, CA — Work is now fully underway on the 4-mile-long Thousand Palms Canyon Road repair project, and here's what motorists can expect as they make their way through the area:

The scenic roadway's entire stretch, between Thousand Palms and the communities of Indio Hills and Sky Valley, is under construction. Work is on schedule and this week Matich Corporation is paving the road’s new asphalt surface, according to the office of Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

The overall project includes replacing the old pavement with a new asphalt surface, adding paved shoulders for bike lanes, and installing safety features such as rumble strips. The total project budget is $4.8 million, which is covered by the county’s SB 1 funds that are generated from gas taxes and vehicle registration fees paid by motorists.

The road remains open to traffic during construction, with a reduced speed limit. When traveling through the area, delays will add a few extra minutes to trips as north- and south-bound traffic is being flagged to one lane of travel in sections of the road. Motorists are asked to drive with caution through the work zone, follow the reduced speed limits and always drive responsibly to keep everyone safe.

“It is great to see Thousand Palms Canyon Road improved for the communities of Indio Hills, Sky Valley, as well as Desert Edge and Thousand Palms, and for bicyclists and visitors to the hiking trails at the Coachella Valley Preserve,” Perez said. “When traveling through, let’s all drive safely, especially as we have construction and paving crews out there working to complete this roadwork for the community.”

Perez represents Riverside County's District 4, which includes the project area.

The Riverside County Transportation Department aims to have the project completed by September 14. The work is anticipated to finish on schedule or early, with no foreseeable delays at this time, according to Perez's office.